Cub Scouting at the University of Scouting

The University of Scouting is Saturday, February 18th, 2017. What’s in store for the average Cub Scout leader? The answer to that question is a lot of great and fun training. What kind of classes can you take? Well, let’s take a quick peek at this year’s course catalog, and see what’s being offered in the College of Cub Scouting.

College of Cub Scouting Courses for 2017

There are a total of sixty-one Cub Scout specific classes–plenty to pick from. If you’re new to Cub Scouting, you might want to choose one of those courses. However, you are free to pick ANY class that sounds interesting to you. It’s designed so that each leader will pick six classes and enjoy a lunch hour. I’m going to mention some of the classes in each section. The Cub Scout classes are listed on pages 9-18 of the course catalog.

CUB-CM Classes (for Cubmasters and Committees)

The CUB-CM classes seem to be geared mostly towards Cubmasters and committee chairs. Class options vary: 101 Ways to Thank your Leaders, two classes about Derbies, two classes on Ceremonies, Record Keeping, Educating Parents, Pack Planning, and why every pack needs a Pack Trainer. In addition, there are Cubmaster Share and Committee Share classes too. If those were all the classes you picked, you would be in for a fun and informative day.

CUB-DL Classes ( for Den Leaders)

If you are a den leader, you may want to attend the Being a ____ Den Leader course for your appropriate den– Wolf, Bear or Webelos. Bear den leaders can get ideas for Carnivals. Webelos leaders can attend classes like Earth Rocks!, Castaway, and First Responder. There are Den Leader Share classes as well. There is also a class called Den Meetings Look Like This as well as a class about the transition from Webelos to Eleven Year Old Scouts. This sounds like a full day of den leader helps and information.

CUB-GEN Classes (for any leader)

Choose from options like Den Discipline, Campfires, Balloon Twisting, Magic and Duty to God. You can also learn about Cooking, Crafts, Science, and Knots. Make fun memories with classes on games, songs, cheers and skits, and gathering activities. Educate yourself on Baden-Powell, Safety, Journey to Excellence, and, of course, Blue and Gold. More options include these: Outdoor Ethics, STEM, SuperNOVA,Patches,Whittling,Wood Projects,Neckerchief Slides, COR’s, Primary Leaders, Unit Commissioners. People can also learn how to work with Cubs with Special Needs. With so many good classes to pick from, how is a Cub Scout leader to decide?

CUB-SPA classes as well

Great news: there are additional Cub Scout specific classes taught in Spanish also (as well as options in Spanish about Scouting in general). There’s something for everyone!

High-Quality Instructors

I personally know about 80 percent of the instructors listed in the course catalog and highly recommend them all. They are knowledgeable, kind, friendly and experienced Cub Scout leaders. You won’t go wrong picking any of these Cub Scout specific classes.

What about Den Chiefs?

Den Chief(s) helping out in your pack? There is even training specifically for them. In the 2.5-hour training class, they will learn about their role and get lots of ideas too. Den leaders may also want to attend this to learn how to best utilize a den chief.

Don’t forget the Midway or the Neckerchief Slide Exchange.

Make sure to take the time to walk around the Midway. There will be lots of displays and vendors. This year there will also be a special Cub Scout display area near the Blue and Gold location. And, of course, if you like neckerchief slides you might want to think about participating in the Neckerchief Exchange – you bring one design and leave with many.

SO many classes

So, with sixty-one classes to choose from in the College of Cub Scouting, how will a leader decide? You may just pick classes you need. Or, you may select classes just for fun. I suggest you pick a few of each kind. No matter the classes you select, you are sure to find it is well worth the time and registration fee. And… not only can you pick from the 61 Cub Scout classes, you can actually choose from any of the other classes being taught at the University of Scouting that day as well. Want to learn more about Boy Scouts, Varsity or Venturing? Perhaps, you want to learn about Advancement, EDGE or Leave No Trace. There are more than 200 classes total which means lots of options for everyone. I think you will find it hard to decide which class to take which hour – I know I did.

Breakfast, Lunch, Keynote Speaker and more.

When you register for the University of Scouting, you can add on Breakfast and/or Lunch as well. Also, you definitely don’t want to miss this year’s keynote speaker. I have had the opportunity to sit in meetings with our incoming Council President, Hyrum Smith, and look forward to his address at this year’s University of Scouting. So plan to be there early to claim your seat, browse the Midway and rub shoulders with so many other Cub Scouters.

Make the University of Scouting an annual event.

I hope the annual Utah County University of Scouting is something you look forward to every year. I was unable to attend last year and really missed it. They do, in fact, already have the date set for next year – Feb 17, 2018. Be sure to put it on your calendar now and plan to make this an annual event.

See you there!

Author: Annaleis Smith has been a Cub Scout leader (Cubmaster, Den Leader, Pack Trainer and Cubmaster again) Since 2003. She loves Cub Scouting and how it can help a boy grow into a young man. She is a stay-at-home Mom of 5 children. She currently serves as the Cubmaster in her ward/pack, as a Unit Commissioner and as the UNPC’s Vice President of Membership.